Chapter 15
“Hajime-kun, you really care about Chinatsu, don’t you? It’s almost enough to make me blush.”
“...Well, when you put it like that, it’s kind of embarrassing. But yes, after all, Chinatsu-san helped me and saved me when I was struggling. She cried for me... It’s you know… I just want to give back as much as I can.”
“Is that so? You see… there’s something I’d like to ask you, though it’s not something I should be asking a high school student. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Anything... As long as it’s something I can do.”
“If... If her father, that man, suddenly appears in front of Chinatsu and things seem to be going in a way unfavorable to her, please stay by her side. We’ve had some issues with the paperwork, and I don’t want her to hear about it. That's why I'm making such a vague request to you. It's all our fault—no, it's my fault entirely.”
“Understood... Though I can’t say I fully understand the situation, I promise to act for Chinatsu-san’s sake if anything happens. But can I ask you one thing as well, Suzuka-san?”
“...Oh my, if it’s about giving you permission to marry her, I’m all for it... But that’s not it, is it?”
“...Please, don’t tease me. What I want to ask of you is if you ever get the opportunity to talk to Chinatsu-san, please talk to her properly and honestly. We’re old enough to understand that there are things adults can’t always share with kids.”
“...Fufu, alright. I’ll make sure to create that opportunity. Thank you so much.”
That conversation with Suzuka-san happened on the day I started calling her “Chinatsu.” I never imagined I’d understand her words so soon and in such a way.
◇◆
Chinatsu was shocked by the screen on my phone and spoke up.
“Huh? Mom? You’re on call?”
“Yes, that’s right. I could hear everything clearly... I’m sorry for causing you and Hajime-kun such distress. I never thought he’d try something so forceful.”
Hearing Suzuka-san’s voice, Chinatsu looked at me again.
“...So it was when you were talking to dad, after you pulled out your phone to show him my message as proof before quickly putting it back in your pocket, huh.”
What I did this time wasn’t much.
Since there was a chance it could have been a thief, I called a taxi and had it wait nearby offering to pay including the waiting time, just in case we needed to escape. I also called Suzuka-san after observing her father’s behavior.
That’s all. The fact that we were able to escape easily, and with Suzuka-san understanding the situation while keeping silent during the call, was just all due to luck. After all, I couldn’t just leave things as they were.
“...That’s not a small thing at all. And to think my father did something so horrible... I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. For now, let’s head to my place. Suzuka-san, I’ll contact you again once we get there.”
I told Suzuka-san.
“Thank you so much. I’m sorry, but please take care of Chinatsu. Chinatsu, once you’ve taken care of what you need to, I’ll explain everything to you. Keep your phone with you.”
And with that, the call ended.
“Hajime...”
“It’s going to be okay.”
I’d never seen Chinatsu look so anxious before. Seeing her state, I wrapped my hand around her cold hand to warm it up.
She was someone who laughed easily and cried just as freely, yet her words always had a way of lifting my spirits.
But, as much as we resented being treated like children, the truth was, we were still high school students. While we resisted the notion of being kids, we were caught in that in-between space—old enough to understand the words and intentions of adults but still young enough to feel the weight of being seen as just children.
I wonder what her father thought her age was when he spoke to her like that. He should never have said those things in front of her.
I thought, as Chinatsu leaned on my shoulder, still holding my hand. We remained silent until we reached my house.
◇◆
When we arrived in front of my house, we immediately got off together and I paid the fare. To be honest, I was just grateful that the driver let two suspicious teenagers ride in his taxi while not asking any questions.
“...You know, I also ran away with my wife when we were young... I couldn’t just turn a blind eye. Feel free to call me if you ever need a ride again.”
The elderly driver said this, patting my shoulder before driving away. It was a misunderstanding, but I could see why he thought that. Two high schoolers fleeing barefoot in a taxi would seem odd. At least I felt reassured that the driver wasn’t likely to reveal my address to Chinatsu’s father. Despite the circumstances, I found myself a bit grateful for that small stroke of luck.
I led the silent, somewhat dazed Chinatsu into the house. Once inside, I finally felt the tension release and sat down.
There wasn’t much we could do for the time being. I made some warm drinks, and we stayed together.
“Chinatsu, have this for now. Suzuka-san said she’ll be calling so let’s drink something and stay together, okay?”
“...Okay.”
Sadness? Anger? Confusion? I could see all these emotions swirling within Chinatsu.
After a while, her phone rang.
“...It’s my mom.”
“Alright, I’ll step out for a bit... But call me if you need anything.”
“Okay, thank you... and I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t sweat it.”
Their conversation went on until midnight. I waited quietly, trying not to get in their way, but always had myself on standby if she ever needed my help.
My phone vibrated with messages. Even while I was reading, the vibration showed no signs of stopping.
(Suzuka-san) I had a proper talk with my daughter.
(Suzuka-san) I think I managed to talk to her without treating her like a child. I shared my thoughts, her father’s thoughts, and explained our current situation.
(Suzuka-san) To be honest, I wish I could be there to hug her, but I can’t.
(Suzuka-san) So, can I rely on your kindness a bit longer?
(Hajime) Leave it to me. Not just because I promised, but because Chinatsu is important to me too.
After reading all the messages, I closed my phone and knocked on the door of the room where Chinatsu is.
